[RoadieRoadie]

Merry Christmas fellow Roadie’s, so am looking to build a new road bike and have been really liking the look of the new disc Bowman Palace, on the basis of straight up value for money, great reviews and already having a SRAM Force 1 x 11 groupset to build with (from a failed attempt to build a gravel bike [with a new Vitus Energie CX frameset] that I just didn’t fall in love with once built – now for sale < 200 miles). But I also love the look of the new CAAD 13 too having loved the ride qualities (but not the ever present creak) of a CAAD 10 that I built and ended up selling a couple of years ago after many happy / unhappy miles. The then BB30 bottom bracket was the culprit, which I vowed I wouldn’t entertain again as it was such a pain – although I was super gutted to part company as it was a beaut to ride. The Bowman has a standard threaded BB which is a major bonus. The only downside as far as I can see is that it doesn’t have mudguard mounts, whereas the CAAD 13 does – based in SW England and mudguards essential for winter. So any opinions about the CAAD 13 BB30 ‘a’ and whether it’s actually fit for purpose – or a whole world of avoidable trouble ?? It’s possible to buy a Bowman with Noble handbuilt wheels too as rolling frameset, ally one’s are £425, plus £845 for the frameset…. pretty good value, or £2495.00 for a complete Ultegra (option to sell my Gravel Bike complete with SRAM groupo). Be grateful for any insights from owners of both Bowman & or the Dale CAAD 13. 

Topic

[Recoveryride]

First up, have you checked

First up, have you checked you can actually get a CAAD13 frameset? I was looking for a while and couldn’t find a new one (disc, in a 54); I could only find rim and outlier sizes (48 and 60).  

There is only one issue with the CAAD – the bb. Theoretically, if you buy new, you’re safe under warranty, but Cannondale have a reputation for fobbing off warranty claims. You’re at less risk with an alu frame than a carbon one, but I’d buy from an LBS I trusted, ideally,  in case of needing a warranty claim.

The Bowman gets good write-ups. I’ve heard reports of varying QC, but have no personal experience. The threaded BB is a good option. 

My inclination might be the Bowman, but I’d get it carefully looked over on delivery by someone who really knows what they’re doing.

FWIW I have abandoned carbon after this year as well, for very similar reasons.

If your budget can stretch a little, I’d also look at the Standert Kreissage and – this might be favourite if you can source it – the BMC Road Machine AL.

[RoadieRoadie]

Thanks kil0ran, helpful

Thanks kil0ran, helpful feedback & really pleased you’ve had a good experience with your Bowman. You’re right in that there are loads of options for mudguards without specific mounting points, I had some crudguard III’s which did a good if not quite a brilliant job on another bike. (Any recommendations here welcome). I have had a couple or three carbon frames & have finally got fed up with superficial chips & nicks through straight forward regular use on the road despite them being great bikes to ride – instant depreciation & difficulty selling afterwards. I can’t afford to stretch to a steelie or Ti & do believe that a cracking ally frame is a brilliant option, based on how my CAAD 10 rode. Certainly drawn to the Bowman over the CAAD from BB perspective & magazine reviews, but wonder if the Palace actually rides as well as a CAAD 10 / 12 or 13 in the real world ? Also if CAAD owners are now happy with BB30 a ? – do they still suffer from the dreaded creaking issues, if so it’s an immediate non starter. 

[kil0ran]

I love my Bowman Layhams,
I love my Bowman Layhams, beautiful build and finish. Built up from a frameset and everything was faced and finished nicely, no extra work required beyond having the steerer cut. Plenty of solutions to the mudguard issue – although the Layhams has mounts I have PDW Full Metal Fenders on mine. I have no need for a Palace but I’d happily have one. You’re getting a boutique frame vs a mass produced one, admittedly one of the better ones in my eyes (I’ve always liked the CAAD ethos)

[Author]

Replies